Juneau Assembly reviews updated design plans for $75 million Capital Civic Center project

The January 27, 2025, Assembly Committee of the Whole Worksession in Juneau City and Borough focused on the ongoing developments regarding the Capital Civic Center and Centennial Hall improvements. The meeting began with a review of past efforts, particularly the 2022 initiative that aimed to create a joint facility for performing arts and community events, which had been paused due to high projected costs exceeding $75 million.

The discussion highlighted the need for a detailed parking analysis following the removal of a proposed commons area that would have eliminated 42 parking spaces. City staff emphasized the importance of understanding the operational costs associated with the new facility, estimated at approximately $740,000 annually, alongside existing management contracts for Centennial Hall.

Key points included the exploration of public-private partnerships and the development of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to clarify roles and responsibilities among stakeholders. The assembly was presented with three options for advancing the project to a 65% design phase, which would provide clearer cost estimates and facilitate contractor engagement. These options included granting funds to the partnership for design work, directing city staff to manage the design process, or opting not to proceed with funding, which could still allow the partnership to continue fundraising efforts.

The assembly was urged to provide guidance on how to prioritize the project, with the manager noting that existing appropriated funds for design could be utilized effectively. The meeting concluded with an invitation for further discussion and clarification on the proposed plans, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to move forward with the Capital Civic Center project.